Local MP Robert Goodwill Backs Parking Bill in Battle against Rogue Parking Companies

Local MP Robert Goodwill has supported a Private Member’s Bill, the Parking (Code of Practice) Bill in successfully completing its Committee stage today, after receiving its Second Reading in the House of Commons earlier in the year.

The Bill, introduced by Conservative MP Sir Greg Knight, enjoys cross-party support, including the backing of the Government and the Labour Party. It has now cleared its second Parliamentary hurdle. If successful, Sir Greg’s Bill will introduce a statutory code of practice for private parking companies which will prevent motorists being unfairly treated.

Following the ban on wheel clamping in 2012, privately issued parking ‘tickets’ soared to 4.7 million last year – one every 7 seconds with a number of these issued in dubious circumstances.

Mr Goodwill adds: “I was pleased to support this measure. Some dodgy operators are engaging in practices such as deliberately unclear signage, fining people whist they are getting change to pay for parking and tickets being issued despite parking payment machines being out of order. Currently there is no legally binding code to prevent this”.

“This Bill does nothing to diminish the rights of landowners to earn a fair income from their land, including seeking redress when motorists don’t play by the rules. But the scales need to be rebalanced so the system is fair for all involved. This Bill, will help stamp out rogues in the industry”.

“I am delighted that today Parliament took another step towards making parking fairer for motorists”.